October
2007
Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko Biloba is believed to be one the oldest surviving “medicinal” plants known to man. As far as offering mankind a beneficial product the Gingko biloba tree rivals the coffee tree in terms of prehistoric age. According to fossilized records the Gingko tree was flourishing before man, and, prior to the dinosaur so you have to give it some credit for adaptability and hardiness. Originally, the Gingko tree was widespread, populating North America, Europe, and Asia, but with the demise of the dinosaurs, thought to be the primary reason for seed dispersal, the Gingko tree eventually retreated to the Asian continent. The Gingko biloba tree is the sole survivor of what is thought to be an original family with eighteen Gingko species and, though it is deciduous and loses its leaves every year, the Gingko biloba is related to today’s evergreen conifers. The Gingko biloba tree is large by today’s standard but would probably be considered the runt of the litter by its ancestors. Also known as the Maidenhair tree, the Gingko biloba matures at a height of 100 to 120 feet with a trunk girth of 3 to 4 feet, with a lifespan estimated at 1,000 years. The Gingko biloba tree leaves turn bright yellow in the fall before shedding and offers a plum size fruit that turns orange-yellow when ripe. Sold commercially, the Gingko biloba tree is popular in metropolitan areas due to their incredible resistance to smog and a very high resistance to insect infestation. Another tribute to its hardiness.
The Ginko biloba tree was popular and cultivated by Buddhist monks in mountain monasteries and temples most likely for the combination of its medicinal value and as an ornamental. It appears these Buddhist monks helped propagate the Gingko biloba tree by passing the seeds or seedling around to their wide spread brethren and eventually ending up in Japan around 1192AD. The first recorded reference of Gingko biloba was in the same century and treated as a precious gift, according to translations. The Gingko biloba was revered as if a prize according to poets who sang and wrote about it, giving us the impression that it was rather rare, at least in particular areas. Later, in other documentation of the same century, it appeared as if it grew plentiful. Prior to the 17th century the fossil records of the Ginkgo biloba were evident and numerous, since it populated a healthy chunk of the known world, but the tree itself was thought to be extinct. Luckily for us the Gingko biloba tree was discovered, or we should say re-discovered, in 1691 by a German named Engelbert Kaempher while in the mountains of Japan. The Gingko biloba tree seeds were taken to Europe in the early 1700’s and eventually made their way to America later in the century. It is reported that the Gingko biloba trees grown in Europe at that time were strictly males. It wasn?t until the early 1800’s that a female Gingko biloba tree was found in Geneva and the successful grafting completed at the Botanic Garden of Montpellier. Though that may seem of little importance now, by today?s standard, but it should be objectively viewed from a different view point, one of what was available at that time. At the time there was little modern medicine in comparison with today, and the Gingko biloba tree offered relief from numerous maladies of that era. A self pollinating, medicinal, Gingko biloba tree could be seen as a significant advancement for the availability of Gingko.
The commercial and medicinal component of the Ginko biloba tree are not the fruit itself but the seeds after they have been removed from the fleshy outer layer, and the fresh leaves after they have been dried. The leaf of the Gingko biloba is primarily used in western medicine and supplements whereas the seeds are used predominantly in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicines. The Chinese used the Gingko biloba nuts and seeds most commonly for respiratory ailments. Western cultures started using the nuts and seeds for the same ailments but a study and translation published early in the early in the 1900’s recommended Gingko biloba use for asthma, coughs, but added bladder and uterine irritabilities. The changeover from nuts and seeds to the leaves of the Gingko biloba originated in Europe and is considered a modern development, and debatably, an improvement.
The modern medical benefits of Gingko biloba is attributed primarily from two groups of active elements, Gingko flavone glycosides, and terpene lactones. These two elements usually constitute 24% of the Gingko extract, an industry standard, used in today?s supplements. The Gingko flavone glycosides are considered primarily responsible for the well known anti-oxidant activity. The Gingko flavone glycosides are also the reported the main element that mildly prohibits the aggregation, or buildup, of the sticky platelets in the blood stream. It is the Gingko flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones found in the leaf extract that has shown the ability to prevent circulatory diseases and has demonstrated benefits in patients with poor peripheral circulation in the arms and legs. This is accomplished by Gingko biloba regulating the elasticity and tone of the blood vessels thus increasing the efficiency of the circulatory system.
Besides the circulatory attributes of Gingko biloba to the body and extremities it also supports circulation to the brain and the nervous system. Combined with the anti-oxidant properties it is highly regarded to enhance cognitive (memory & thinking) performance in older adults. Though there is some debate on the benefits of Gingko biloba towards Alzheimerapos;s disease per se, there appears an overwhelming amount of clinical suggested potential for Gingko’s use. This in part is due to Gingko biloba demonstrating an ability to exert a type of protection action on brain and nerve cells. Again suggesting the enhancement or delay of cognitive decline. Due to the anti-oxidant action, new preliminary reports are suggesting a possible potential for benefiting those afflicted with Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) that affects 10 million Americans, and diabetic related retinopathy.
Gingko Biloba offers a relatively safe and moderately effective treatment inexpensively, but like any supplement it is highly recommended to seek professional medical advice for safety and effectiveness before starting. This is especially important if you plan to use Gingko biloba for memory loss or other brain or head conditions. Gingko biloba is available in pill form for the most part and some liquids are available. Since Gingko biloba has not been FDA approved and long term use has not been thoroughly tested it has been recommended that as a preventative herbal product Gingko biloba should not be used consecutively or daily for longer than three months. On occasion some side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or headache have occurred. If these conditions persist discontinue and inform your medical professional promptly. It is rare and unlikely but some people are allergic to Gingko biloba and symptoms include itchy rash, minor swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. In the event that this occurs discontinue immediately and contact your medical professional.
Since Gingko biloba is considered a mild blood thinner is it not recommended for hemophiliacs and inform your medical professional before any surgery or dental work is performed. It may be recommended that you discontinue the use of Gingko biloba two weeks before surgery. Check with your medical professional. Pregnant or breast feeding women should delay taking Gingko biloba to avoid any potential risk to the child.